
I For the use of Strangers visiting ihe M.)nument- 

18 6 4.. 



THE 



STEANGEK^S GUIDE; 



EXPLANATIONS 



LOCATIONS, OBJECTS, ETC., 



AS SEEN FROM THE 



BUNKER HILL MONUMENT. 



CHARLESTOWN: 

PRINTED FOR J. B. GOODNOW. 



Wm, J. BJiees. 



VIEWS 



INTRODUCTION. 

In pointing out the different views froqj the top of this 
monument, it becomes necessary to adopt a systematic 
course, in order that the spectator may understand the 
location of the different objects, &c., pointed out in this 
Guide. For this purpose, you will commence with the 
window at the head of the stairs, marked overhead, 

EAST.* 

From this window can be seen the Navy Yard, which 
the spectator can easily distinguish by the large ship- 
houses, timber-sheds, &c., within it, and the wall that 
surrounds it. 

On the north-side and nearly at the extreme left of the 
yard, Eiay be seen the Ropewalk, said to be the longest 
and most perfect in the world. It is 1350 feet in length, 
and there is manufactured all the cordage used in the 
U. S. Navy. 

The long buildings are Timber-sheds, wherein is stored 
timber for U. S. vessels. Those three large buildings m 
front are Ship-houses : the middle one contains the U. S. 
ship Virginia, a vessel of the largest size, and of beauti- 
ful model. 

At the right of the ship-houses is seen the high chim- 
ney of the foundry and machine-shop, — its height is 239 
feet : beyond is seen the sea-wall, on which is a battery 
of guns,and the flag-staff on which is raised the Commo- 
dore's ,^ag. It is hoisted at nine o'clock in the morning, 

* The sides of the Monument do not exactly coincide with tha 
i;ioiQt8 of the comoass. 



and haulea aown at sundown. Within the sea-%vall Is an 
extensive Timber Dock ; at the right of this may be seen 
the Engine-house and Workshop. Within this building 
are the Pumps for pumping out the Dry-dock ; these 
pumps are so capacious, that 'twelve hogsheads of water 
are said to be thrown off at one stroke ; and the time 
occupied in punaping out the dock, is about six hour& 
The Dry Dock can be seen distinctly from this window 
and it is capable of containing a ship of the largest size, 
and is constructed entirely of hewn granite. It is 385 ft. 
in length, 100 in width, and 33 in depth. At the right is 
the Long Block of Store Houses, &c., at the extreme end 
of which is the Navy Yard Gate, or principal entrance. 

Fersons visiting Boston and its environs, will be well 
repaid by spending an hour or two in the yard. Visit- 
ors are freely received every day, except on the Sabbath. . 
It is about one mile in length, and contains some sixty 
acres. At the battle on this hill, the British troops 
landed not far from the lower ship-house. 

As we extend our view across the Mystic River, (the 
body of water on our left, ) the first object that meets the 
eye, is East Boston, formerly called Noddle's Island, and , 
more recently William's Island. It is not, as it seems 
to be from the top, a peninsula, but really an island, be- 
ing navigable for small craft entirely around it. It con 
tained but one or two houses until 1832 ; since that time, 
it has attained its present size. This, with the other 
islands in the harbor, belong to Ward IV. of the city of 
Boston. At the left, and nearly over the lower ship-. 
house, in the Navy Yard, may be seen the Foundry fol 
the manufacture of railroad iron. lii range of the flag- 
staff on the batiAry, is the East Boston Sugar-house ; and 
at the extreme right of this island, may be seen the land- 
ing place of the Cunard line of Steamers ; they may be 
readily distinguished by their tall red chimneys. At 



this point, also, is the landing of the East Boston Ferry- 
boats, and the Depot of the Eastern Railroad. Over this 
point can be seen George's Island, (formerly called 
i>o«a-,-i,3,) on which is a fortress, called Fort Warren; 
and over the left side of this island, can he seen the Long 
Island Lighthouse, (upper light) ; and further down the 
harbor, may be 'seen the Boston (lower) Lighthouse. 
This cannot be seen except in clear weather ; its range is 
a little to the left of the East Boston sugar house. 

Fort Independence, on Castle Island, is the first island 
that meets the eye, looking down the harbor, between 
Boston and East Boston. This fort has command of the 
channel, which passes directly under its guns, and is so 
narrow, that two large vessels cannot pass abreast. " On 
this island is the dungeon in which the celebrated Stephen 
Burrows was at one time confined, and escaped by dig- 
ging out, aad knocking down the sentinel placed at the 
door of his cell. At the right of this is Thompson's Isl- 
and, on which is the Farm School. The other most 
prominent islands in the harbor, are Deer, Spectacle, 
Raiusford, Moon, Nut, Sheep, Grape, Slate, Pumpkin, 
Pcttick's, Gallop, Lovel's, George's, (fortified,) Brews- 
ters, Calf, Apple, the Graves, and Green Islands ; for 
the location and description of which, see Mallory's Pano- 
ramic View from Bunker Hill Monument. From this 
•R'indow, the spectator has a full view of Boston Harbor, 
ODo of the best, most commodious, and beautiful in the 
world. It extends from Nantasket to the city, and 
spreads from Chelsea and Nahant to Hingham, contain- 
ing ^bout seventy-five square miles, and is bespangled 
with upwards of one hundred islands and rocks. 

These islands are gradually wearing away, and where 

large herds of cattle and flocks of sheep were pastured, 

some sixty or seventy years ago, " The ocean now rolls 

its angry billows, aud lashes with an overwhelming 

1* 



surge, the last remains of earth." We will now turn la 
the window at our right, marked, 

SOUTH. . . • 

Before us stands Boston, "the city of notions,^' "thp 
iiterary emporium of the western world," and sometimes 
appropriately called "the metropolis of New Eugland.'' 
It is situated on a peninsula, about three miles in lengt l\, 
and one in breadth. Its surface is quite uneven , and s\v p 1 ! ^ 
into three eminences — Copp's, Fortj and Beacon Hills. 1 i .- 
Indian name v/as Shawmut, afterwards called Tri-Moiui. 
tain, from which originates the name Tremont. It r>^ 
ceived its present name in honor of the Rev. John Cciinn, 
who was an emigrant from Boston in England ; and ii!? 
name was confirmed by an Act of Court, September ihc 
7th, 1630, O. S. It was incorporated a city in 1S22. 
Present population, [1862,] about onehundredand eighty 
thousand. Boston is the second commercial city iii ttie 
Union, and fifth in population. In 1648, all the inhahitr 
ants were accommodated in one church; and now t lie re 
are nearly one hundred. There are over one hundred 
newspapers and magazines printed in the city ; contains 
about one hundred and twenty charity and literary so<'ie- 
ties, eight hundred streets and avenues, and one hundred 
and sixteen wharves. The Burial Ground, seen on this 
side of Boston, and a little at the left, is on Copp's Hill, 
where was stationed the British artillery, during the 
battle. 

The tomb of the renowned Increase and Cotton Math- 
er is in this burial ground. The Gas Works may 
be seen near the end of the first bridge, which is the 
Charlestown (or old) Bridge. It was the first built in this 
country. Near this bridge is the place where two of the 
British vessels of war were stationed during the battle oa 



this Mil. The next bridge, to the right, is Warren 
Bridge, near the terminus of which is the Fitchburg 
Railroad Depot ; the most splendid and commodious of 
the kind in Boston. 

The next bridge is that of the Fitchburg Railroad ; the 
next, of the Boston and Maine Railroad ; the next, Boston 
and Lowell Railroad, and East Cambridge or Cragie's 
Bridge ; the last being so near the former, it woidd be 
likely to be taken as one, without close dhservation. The 
next bridge, and leading from the west part of Boston, 
is Cambridge Bridge ; the next is the Milldam or Westeru 
Avenue ; and the next two, crossing each other, are the 
Boston and Worcester, or Western, and the Boston and 
Providence Railroads, — that turning to the right the for- 
mer, and that to the left the latter. The State House is 
the most prominent edifice which the spectator beholds in 
Boston, its dome being two hundred and thirty feet abov? 
the level of the sea, affording a fine view of the city, the 
harbor, and the surrounding country, second to none, 
only from this monument. 

South Boston is the first point beyond the city proper. 
Those white buildings near, and upon the first elevation 
towards the right, are the city buildings — House of Cor- 
rection, Industry, Refuge, Alms, Insane Hospital, &c. 

Upon the next elevation may be seen the Perkins Insti- 
tution for the Blind. This elevation is Dorchester 
Heights, where Gen. Washington stationed his troops, 
immediately preceding the evacuation of Boston by the 
British. The fortifications may still be seen, a little at 
the right of the asylum. 

We will now return to our starting point, i.e., the ex- 
treme point of South Boston, and in that direction, in the 
distance, can be seen Quincy, being distinguished for its 
extensive quarries of granite. The whole southwest part 
•f tfee town, from the common, with few exceptions, is 



8 

one solid mass of granite, rising o the heignt ot bIi 
hundred feet above the level of the sea. The Q,uincy 
Railroad, running from one of these quarries, was the first 
railroad constructed in the United States, being built by 
the Quincy Railroad C ompany, in 1826. Length, three 
miles; cost, $33,153 95, exclusive of land, wharf, and 
cars. One of the quarries is called the Willard, or Bun- 
ker Hill Q.uarr}'-, from the circumstance that this monl^ 
ment was built of stone taken from this ledge. This 
town is noted, also, for being the residence of the late 
John Adams, and his son John Q,umcy Adams, both for- 
mer Presidents of the United States. The Mansion is 
situated about half a mile northwest from the village. 

To the right of this may b seen the towns of Dorchester 
and Milton ; the former was settled in June, 1630 — is 
about four miles from Boston ; Indian name, Mattapan. 

Roxbury is the next town to the right, in the range of 
the western part of Boston. It was incorporated a town 
in 1630, and a city in 1847. It is connected with Boston 
by the " Neck," over which Washington street continues 
end is compactly built the entire length, being about two 
and a half miles. 

Dr. Joseph Warren, Major-General in the armies of 
the United States, and who was killed in the battle on 
this hill, was a native of this to^vn. The Roxbuiy Labo- 
ratory may be readily distinguished by its chimneT, behig 
two hundred and two feet in height. 

Extending the eye still to the right, is seen Broo Yline ; 
one of the m( st pleasant towns that lie in the vicinUy of 
Boston ; alttw agh but little of its beauties can be seen 
from the top they nevertheless exist ; and, one would 
enjoy a ride through and around it, and be delighted by 
the magnificence and variety of its scenery ; it d about 
five miles from the city, by way of the Western x. venue. 

Charlestown, as viewed from the window, presents to 



the spectator no lofty domes, or splendid edifices, but its 
general features present an interesting sight to the be- 
holder, and such as needs no comment. Charlestown 
was settled in 1628, and incorporated a city in 1847; 
population in 1847, about 14,000 ; is the oldest town in 
Middlesex County. 

The buildings on the bridge are, the Engine House, 
and Machine Shop of the Boston Maine Railroad Com- 
pany. Still further, and a little to the righl, is the Engine 
House of the Boston and Lowell Railroad. The scenery 
from this window is varied and beautiful, and the lovers 
of the sublime will find a rare feast while gazing from 
this:Side. We will now leave this, although reluctantly, 
^d turn to the next, marked, 

WEST. 

And" take foj the startmg point the State Penitentiary, 
in Charlestown, at the left, readily distinguished by its 
secure prisons, and high wall that surrounds it, all being 
built of massive stone. Directly across the water is seen 
East Cambridge, formerly called Cragie's Point ; the 
bridge connecting it with Charlestown is called the Pris- 
on Bridge. Extending the eye still further, is seen 
Cambridge Port ; this, with East Cambridge, %rms a 
part of the city of Cambridge. Beyond the Port is 
Brighton, famous for its weekly cattle lairs. We will 
now come back to Charlestown, and sl^rt ofi* in another 
direction. A little to the left, can be seen the Burial 
Ground in Charlestown ; and one of its most prominent 
features is the " Harvard Monument," erected on the 
16lh day of September, i828, by the graduates of the 
University of Cambridge, in honor of hs founder, Rev. 
John Harvard, who died in Charlestown, September 26th, 
1628. 



10 

Extending the view across the water, is seen the IVIo 
Lean Asylum, for the insane ; beyond is Camhridj^e 
this, together with Cambridge Port, and East Cambrido^e, 
forms the city of Cambridge, incorporated in 1847. In. 
this place is Harvard University, known as Cambridge 
Colleges. Near this place is Mount Auburn, the greai 
•' City of the Dead." Tbis place was consecrated, with 
great ceremony, on the 24th of Sept., 1831. Of all places 
around Boston, this is most worthy of a visit. It is situ- 
ated about five miles from Boston. Its area is twice as 
large as that of Boston Common. The first tenant ol 
Mount Auburn was Hannah Adams, who died December 
.15th, 1831, aged seventy-six. 

At the right, and beyond Cambridge, can he seen the 
Observatory, easily distinguished by its oval dome. 

At the right of Cambridge, and nearly in front of the 
window, is West Cambridge ; and at the extreme right 
is Medford, noted for ship-building. The Convent ruins, 
on Mount Benedict, may be seen by close observation. 
They are easily mistaken for ordinary brick buildings. 
They lie nearly in the direction of the road on the hill, 
(Winter Hill,) a little to the right, and about one third of 
the distance to the hill. This splendid edifice was de- 
stroyed by a mob. At the right is the Mystic River, 
which forms a junction with Charles River, between 
Boston, East Boston, and the Navy Yard. Near the 
corner of the monument, grounds, at the right, is the 
Charlestown High School House, dedicated June 17th, 
1848. The hill beyond is Bunker Hill ; this, on which 
the monument stands, being Breed's Hill. Orders were 
given to fortify Bunker Hill, but, by mistake, — whether 
intentional or otherwise, remains unknown, — this hilJ 
was fortified, and the battle fought thereon. 

From this window can be seen Wachusett Mountain, 
in Massachusetts, and Monadnoc, Kearsarge, and Whita 



Mountains, in New Hampshire. Manadnoc Moiinlaln 
iies nearly in front of the window, and a little to the left 
-of the road, over Winter Hill, To the left of this, and near- 
ly over Cambridge, may be seen Wachusett Mountain. 
At the right of Manadnoc, and to appearance near each 
other, are Kearsarge and the White Mountains. None 
of^these mountains can be seen, except in clear weallier ; 
and the White Mountains only when the atmosphere is 
remarkably pure, which happens but a few times in the 
course of the year. This is the highest elevation of land 
in New England. The bridge seen near the Stale Prison, 
and running nearly in the direction of the Insane Hospital, 
is that of the Jfi^tchburg Railroad, That running to the 
right of the same is the continuation of the Boston aud 
Maine Railroad. That seen at our extreme right is 
Maiden Bridge. 

The scenery from this window is scarcely less'heauli- 
ful than that from the last, although most of it is of 
quite a different character. We will now turn to the 
window, marked, 

NORTH. '"^ 

The principal views from this window, are Maiden, 
Chelsea, and Lynn. Maiden is the town at the left, and 
at the extreme right is Chelsea Bridge, leading from 
Charlestown to Chelsea, The village is at the right of 
its terminus. 

The large brick building at the left of the bridge, is the 
United States' Marine Hospital ; that with the dwelling 
house and the grounds around, including nearly the wiiole 
hill, belong to the United States' Government. Nearly 
over Chelsea can be seen Lynn, celebrated for its large 
manufacture of shoes. The extreme end of the low 
point of land, running to the right, is Nahant. 



19 

We here close our riews, frut if the spectator wishes 
to have them before him at any time, just let him pur* 
chase one of Afallory's Panoramic 'Views, — for sale 
below, — and his desire is at once fully gratified. 



THE BATTLE, 

That ever memorable event, which this structure wa» 
erected to commemorate, was fought on the 17th of June, 
1775 : most bloody in its details, most important in its 
consequences, fought on our own soil, it has consecrated 
these heights to everlasting fame. The redoubts and 
entrenchments, which sheltered the heroes of that bloody 
day, are nearly level with the earth ; yet, in some places, 
portions of them are still visible. 

The forces employed by the British, numbered about 
four thousand regulars, besides a battery on Copp's Hill, 
in Boston, and seven vessels of war, lying in different 
directions from the hill. Their loss, in killed and 
wounded, was about one thousand one hundred. 

*The number of American forces was about one thousand 
eight hundred, and their loss, in killed, wounded, and 
taken prisoners, was about four hundred and fifty. 

' THE MONUMENT. 

Which is composed of granite from our hills, has been 
erected to point out to- generations yet unborn the spot 
where was fought the most memorable battle during the 
whole struggle for our independence. On the .17th of 
June, 1825, the corner-stone of this obelisk was laid, by 
the illustrious Lafayette, — "our nation's benefactor,"— 
in the presence of a vast concourse of citizens, some ofj 



13 

whom were on this eminence fifty years prior, manfully 
fighting in freedom's cause. 

An address was delivered upon that occasiori, by tha 
Hon. Daniel Webster. 

The depth at which it was laid was not sufficient to 
resist tlie action of the frost, and i* was removed, and re- 
laid ; and on the 21st of July, 1827, the base on which it 
stands was completed. So long as the funds held out, 
the work went on successfully, under the direction of Mr. 
Soktmon Willard, the architect, who generously contrib- 
uted one thousand dollars, and gave three years' labor to 
aid in this truly great and patriotic undertaking. It was 
raised but a short dis lance, however, for want of funds. 
The labor was renewed at sundry times, from J 827 to 
1835, until its height was about seventy-five feet. 

In 1840, an efiort, which proved successful, was made 
to raise funds to complete the structure. The ladies of 
Boston, assisted by contributions from all parts of the 
Commonwealth, and various parts of New England, held 
a fair in Sept., 1840, from which they realized about forty 
thousand dollars. A contract was immediately eflTected 
with Mr. James S. Savage, who commenced his labor in 
the spring of 1841, and finished it in 1842. On the 17tli 
of June, 1843, a celebration, in honor of its completion, 
was held, upon which occasion, the President of the 
United Slates, (John Tyler,) and all his Secretaries were 
present ; and a vast concourse assembled to share in and 
witness the celebration. 

A large portion of the remaining heroes of the Revolu- 
tion were present, many of whom were there at the laying 
of the corner-stone, just eighteen years before, and, also, 
sixty-eight years prior, at the great struggle against 
oppression. 

Hon. Daniel Webster delivered an eloquent a&d.ap|!?o* 
priate address to the assembled tliousauds. 



u 

The Small Monument which stands directly in front 
of itie entroxice, is an exact model of the one erected by 
King Solomon's Lodge, in 1794, in memory of General 
Warren and his associates, who fell in the battle on Bun- 
ker Hill. This monument was about thirty-two feet in 
height, and stood outside the redoubt, which was near 
the west side of the monument grounds, on the spot where 
General Warren was supposed to have fallen. 

THE TOP-STONE. 

The following is an account of th^ manner in which the 
top-stone was raised to its place • — 

' ' For the purpose of raising the stone to its place, a 
pair of shears was rigged directly over the monument, 
one leg on each side, resting upon timbers projecting from 
t!ie windows. The shears were sloped towards the city. 
The difficulty of attaching ttie ropes to the block (as no 
holes could be drilled into it) was obviated by leaving 
projections on two sides, like ears, to which the ropes 
were attached. It was then raised and deposited in its 
place, without any trouble or the slightest accident. The 
weight of the block is about two tons and a half." 

ADMITTANCE FEE. 

" Admittance to the Monument, 15 cents." 

All the money received for admittance is expended 
upon the grounds, for keeping in order, beautifying, Sac* . 

HEIGHT 

The distance from the bottom to the top is two hundred 
and twenty-one feet, and is ascended by two hundred and 
ty-five steps. 



15 

The foEowing is tho inscription upon the two Guns in 
the top, — the " Hancock " and "Adams :"— 

SACRED TO LIBERTY. 
This is oke of fouk Cannons which coNSTixirrBD 

THE WHOLE TRAIN OF FIELD ARTILLERY, 
POSSESSED BY THE BRITISH CoLONIES OP 

North America, 

AT the commencement OP THE 

WAR. 

ON THE 19th OF April, 1775. 

This Cannon, 

AND its fellow, 
BBLONOINO to A NUMBER OF CITIZENS (HP 

BOSTON, 

WEBB USED IN MANY ENGAGEMENTS 

DURING THE War. 

The OTHER TWO, THE PROPERTY OP THB 

Government of Massachusetts, 
were taken by the enemy. 

By ORDER OP THE UNITED STATES, 

IN Congress assembled, 
May 19th, 1788. 

These two guns were used many years by the " Afpient 
and Hooorable Artillery," and by them the Adams was 
iiarat in fiiiug a salute. 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 



h-*3^^ 




